Natural Resources
November 3, 2014

Encouraging Promotion of the Mineral Industry

Mining Week Raises Awareness and Understanding of the Mining Sector

Mining Week is being celebrated November 2 to 8 in Newfoundland and Labrador. This week offers an opportunity for the Provincial Government and industry to work together to raise awareness and understanding of the sector, and to highlight the long-term business and employment opportunities for the province.

“The mining industry is a major contributor to the growth of our provincial economy, and provides jobs for many residents in rural communities where the majority of operations are located. The industry continues to have long-term potential, despite short-term challenges due to global commodity prices. Over the past decade, the province has witnessed the opening of several new mines, and continued interest in a wide variety of minerals that are fueling exploration programs.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources

Mining Week is a partnership initiative between the Provincial Government’s Department of Natural Resources, the provincial chapter of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, Mining Industry NL and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our province has a rich diversity of commodities that it supplies to the world making it an important driver for economic growth in our province. From its humble beginnings with the first mine discovery in Tilt Cove over 150 years ago, our industry has endured, survived and steadily grown stronger. In these challenging times for the natural resource sector, Mining Week represents a great opportunity for government, industry and academia to come together to discuss the challenges and solutions that will ensure our industry is a driving force into the future.”
- George Ogilvie, Honourary Chair of Provincial Mining Week and President of the Provincial Chapter of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum

Mining Week features the annual Mineral Resources Review conference and trade show at the Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre. Approximately 700 delegates and exhibitors representing the mining industry in the province, as well as national and international officials, are expected to come to the province for the three-day event.

“Mining Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the skills and talents of people working in this industry and to showcase the vital role of mining in our everyday society. While mining is a cyclical business connected to world commodity market conditions, over the long-term, Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to attract investment from companies who see our province as a place to successfully develop a world-class mineral resource base.”
- Heather Bruce-Veitch, Chair, Mining Industry NL

As part of Mining Week, there will be a public lecture marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, a division of the Department of Natural Resources. The lecture is open to members of the public and admission is free.

QUICK FACTS

• Mining Week is being celebrated November 2 to 8 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• This week offers an opportunity for the Provincial Government and industry to work together to raise awareness and understanding of the sector, and to highlight the long-term business and employment opportunities for the province.
• Events scheduled for Mining Week include the Mineral Resources Review conference and trade show and a public lecture by the Geological Survey.
• The mining industry continues to drive the provincial economy and provide jobs for many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in rural communities throughout the province.

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2014 11 03                                        10:55 a.m.